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Our muscles will atrophy as we climb the Kardashev Scale
This is an addendum to my previous post The Kilowatt Human. I mean it as half-entertainment and half-futuristic speculation. I extrapolate the following insight more into the future:
Biomechanical StageTechnology LevelHuman Physical LaborBiomechanical Power ConditionBMS-I (Pre-Industrial)Stone Age to primitive machinery (sticks, stones, metal tools, mills)Nearly all tasks powered by muscle; farming, hunting, buildingHigh: Strength is universal and necessaryBMS-II (Industrial-Modern)Steam engines to motorized vehiclesMost heavy work done by machines; exercise optional, not requiredModerate to Low: Average strength declines as tasks mechanizeBMS-III (Post-Biological)Brain chips, quantum telepresence, digital existencePhysical labor negligible; teleoperation replaces bodily exertionNearly None: Muscles vestigial or irrelevant, having a body is comparatively wasteful and an extreme luxuryWhy do I write this? It began with the Steam Age, followed by the widespread use of internal combustion engines and motorized vehicles, and will end at the near-future threshold where technology allows a human to be economically competitive and sustain themselves without ever moving their body. BMS-II (Industrial-Modern) Humans still have bodies and can choose to train them, but the average sustained power output falls as convenient transport, automation, and energy-dense foods foster sedentary lifestyles.
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